Carmichael: Two measures to highlight special session agenda

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two tax reform measures will highlight what’s expected to be a brief special session of the state legislature Monday, state Senate President Mitch Carmichael said.

Gov. Jim Justice issued a proclamation Thursday afternoon with plans to introduce bills that would exempt military pensions from state tax and increase the tax credit on the rehabilitation of historic structures.

“This is something we can do and deliver immediately,” Carmichael said Thursday during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.” “The governor has changed parties to Republican and there’s a Republican-led legislature and we don’t see any impediment now to bringing forth these tax breaks.”

The military pension move will cost the state about $4 million in tax revenue but supporters believe it will entice more retired veterans to move here.

“Eliminating the tax on those veterans will in essence generate more economic activity for our state,” Carmichael predicted.

Some may see the bills as minor but Carmichael said there’s no reason to delay action.

“We are going to be here anyhow and we can get this done. We want to demonstrate leadership, guidance and success,” he said.

The governor talked earlier this week about the possibility of introducing a bill during the special session that would streamline the hiring process for the state Division of Highways in connection with the recently passed road bond amendment. The governor said Thursday there’s still a chance the bill would be added to the agenda.

The special session is scheduled to begin at noon Monday at the state capitol during already scheduled monthly legislative interim committee meetings.